Mesh WiFi is not a single device, it is a system of devices that work together. A mesh system is made up of three core devices:
- Modem
- Specific mesh WiFi router
- WiFi Nodes or Pods
Just like on a traditional WiFi network, the modem communicates with your Internet service provider (ISP) to bring Internet services into the home and create an Internet connection. The router is what turns the data from your ISP into wireless signals your wireless devices can understand. Where Mesh WiFi differs from a traditional WiFi network is with the nodes.
A mesh system compromises of multiple nodes. Note: sometimes nodes are called other things, like “satellite modules,” “pods” or another branded term. In this page we will always refer to them as nodes.
There is no right or wrong number of nodes to have in your home. Typically, you place them in every room that you want a strong WiFi signal and connection. Each node that you place throughout your home communicates with the mesh router to receive the WiFi signal and distribute that signal throughout your home.
Unlike with a traditional WiFi router, the Mesh WiFi system (router/nodes) share the same SSID and password. Since it is a system, everything is interconnected.
Is mesh WiFi better than alternatives?
Not necessarily! If you have a large, multi-level home, mesh might be the best WiFi booster solution for you because of its purposeful design to blanket the home in WiFi coverage. But this comes at a cost, because with each room or floor level you want to extend to you need to invest in that many more nodes.
If you live in a smaller space, are sticking to a budget, and/or are renting your home, consider one of these alternatives to make your WiFi coverage and performance better:
WiFi range extenders are devices that you place between your router and the hard-to-reach area. Similar to Mesh WiFi, the wireless range extender helps extend that reach of the existing WiFi signal to get more coverage.
MoCA technology with MoCA adapters helps converts coaxial cable TV wiring into an Ethernet connection, creating a point-to-point direction connection for always reliable Internet.
Want to learn more about Mesh WiFi or how Hitron’s MoCA adapters (available on Amazon) can enhance your home WiFi? Check out our Complete Guide to WiFi Boosters or our Blog articles.